May 07, 2012

Coffee Talk with Jane Schulak: Isabelle de Borchgrave

My friend Jane and I share a love of paper and the hand-made. You might remember a little chat I had with her here about a party she threw in Paris at the Museum of Decorative Arts that was simply magical. Recently we got to talking about another shared admiration: The Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave. I first learned of Isabelle stateside when she launched a line of paper goods at Target, but when I looked under the hood of this friendly priced line of napkins and party goods, I learned more about the elaborate balls Isabelle is famous for in Europe, dressing all of the women in exquisite paper gowns, and filling ballrooms with stunning paper décor -- shamanism at its finest.

Jane was kind enough to give me a little more insight into this amazing artist, too, from her point of view ... as a personal friend of Isabelle's.

Photo by Andreas von Einsiedel

Photo by Andreas von Einsiedel

Photo by Andreas von Einsiedel

David Stark: How did you first hear of Isabelle? How long have you known her? Where did you first meet?

Jane Schulak: About 7 years ago a mutual friend invited me to accompany her to see Isabelle's studio in Brussels. Needless to say finding oneself in Isabelle's "Magic Kingdom of Paper" is an experience that is truly beyond beautiful. From the first moment I entered I knew that I had met the most gifted, lovely, and inspired artist. For me it was serious love at first site, and fortunately the beginning of a wonderful friendship.

Photo by Jane Schulak

Photo by Jane Schulak

DS: What draws you to her work?

JS: I feel like Isabelle has invented and translated a medium that never existed before. She has an exceptional ability to make paper look and feel like an old piece of lace or a rare piece of silk taffeta. Basically she can transform any textile imaginable into a paper anything and the difference is barely discernible. Often once the object or dress is complete Isabelle then paints a design onto the paper with the most delicate hand. It is amazing to see the range of things that come out of her studio, all with the same intention. She is a master of subtle disguise, and the things that she makes are even more beautiful because they aren't what they are supposed to be. Everything in Isabelle's world is always a unique surprise!

Photo by Eric Herchaft

Photo by Andreas von Einsiedel

Photo by Andreas von Einsiedel

Photo by Alain Speltdoorn

Photo by Andreas von Einsiedel

DS: Does she only work in paper?

JS: Although Isabelle is most known for her paper costumes and a myriad of paper objects, paper is not her only way of expressing herself. She paints, sculpts in bronze, and even creates tiles and dishes. Often using the same design elements that you find in her paper constructions, always with a deep connection to the history of textile design.

Photo by CidB

Photo by CidB

Photo by Andreas von Einsiedel

Photo by Andreas von Einsiedel

DS: What is her studio like?

JS: Since I have known Isabelle she has had two studios. The first studio, which was my original foray into the "Magic Kingdom of Paper", was in this wonderful, cozy, layered, series of rooms. Where you found yourself literally on top of the work, overwhelmed by the beauty, color, and energy that was covering every inch of the space. Recently Isabelle has moved her studio into an old building in which she has totally renovated. The new studio is quite large, white, filled with light, and simply staggeringly beautiful not only in it's architecture but also as a laboratory of design. I think the most special thing of all is to be able to stand on the balcony looking down on 300 years of history being recreated and reinterpreted in paper.

Photo by Jean-Pierre Gabriel

Photo by Jean-Pierre Gabriel

Photo by Jean-Pierre Gabriel

Photo by Jean-Pierre Gabriel

Photo by Jean-Pierre Gabriel

DS: What is the most fabulous thing you have seen Isabelle create?

JS: Definitely the most fabulous thing I have seen was Isabelle's work in the Medici Palace in Florence and the Fortuny Palace in Venice. She recreated and re-imagined every single object in various rooms including the curtains, the dishes, even the furniture totally in paper. As well as the family members dressed in the proper clothing, complete with jewelry and shoes, and not to forget their animals, all life size. For me this was a paper miracle!